Music Scholars and staff from the Music Department performed at Marden House this week as part of the 2024 Calne Music and Arts Festival. 

This concert marked the first public performance of the academic year and, for some, their debut as St Mary’s Music Scholars. Despite arriving somewhat bedraggled from a heavy downpour on the way to the venue, the girls quickly rallied, and after a brief sound check, the concert began.

Vivaldi’s Concerto in B Minor for four violins began the performance with superb ensemble playing from Ellie (LVI), Allison (LVI), Bianca (LVI), Mrs Loveridge and accompaniment on piano by Miss Arthur. 

Following this, the audience were treated to wonderful solo performances by Katie (UIV) with a wonderful Brahms lied, Halia (LVI) impressing with the formidable Haydn piano sonata Hob. XVI: 49, Matilda J (LIV) presenting the stunning Romanze from Schubert’s Rosamunde, Teyla (MIV) offering a mature and heartfelt performance of Debussy’s Reverie on cello.

Guinevere (LVI) was in wonderful vocal form singing 'Thus When the Sun' from Handel’s Samson, Myra (UV) on piano with a considered and assured performance of Merikanto’s Valse Lente, Hermione (UV) singing the beautiful Summer from Cunningham and McCall Smith and Jina (UV) on violin with a lovely rendition of the Pastorale by Rieding.

Charlotte (LIV) was in ever charming form with a delightful performance of Over the Rainbow by Arlen, Ysa (LIV) with a nuanced and impressive interpretation of Bréval’s C Major Cello Sonata, Letty (UV) with an impassioned and superb performance of Adoration by Borowski and, to close, a marvellous and heartfelt vocal tour de force from Jemima J (UIV) with Androzzo’s 'If I Can Help Somebody'.

In response to performing at the festival, the Music Scholars commented:

'I felt extremely proud to be representing the school as a St Mary's Calne Music Scholar.  It was great to see my peers perform and I enjoyed feeling part of the Music Scholars team. I was very excited to share my music with a live audience in the supportive Calne community.' Matilda

'We were warmly welcomed by the Calne community. The venue was full - with standing room only! It was very supportive atmosphere and I received an uplifting response from the audience following my performance. Many people also took time to thank me in person which was also appreciated and valued. I would also like to thank the Calne Music and Arts Festival committee for the opportunity to share our passion for music with the local community. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary of the festival - we recognise and appreciate the time and commitment that goes into making these events a success and value being part of it.' Jemima

'Since I haven't performed at this school before, I was quite nervous before the concert. However, my opinions quickly changed, as the staff and peers gave me a lot of encouragement. Performing at the Calne Music and Arts Festival was much less nerve-wrecking than I thought, and I even received some positive comments afterwards. I am looking forward to the next time I get an opportunity like this.' Katie

'Thank you so much for letting us perform at the Calne Music & Arts Festival at Marden House. We all had an excellent time, despite the rain, and hope that this wonderful celebration of the arts runs for at least another 50 years!' Guinevere

The audience were delighted, and the feedback since has been overwhelmingly positive. Attending another concert later in the week, I still had people coming up to me to express their admiration for the musical maturity and technical skills of the St. Mary’s music scholars. 

Mr Mark Sandon-Williams - Head of Keyboard Studies